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E melodic minor scale on guitar
E melodic minor uses E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D♯. Box 1 starts on string 4, fret 2 for a low root.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the E melodic minor scale on guitar?
E melodic minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 14 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to G on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the low E string at fret 0, the D string at fret 2 and the high e string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 4 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 3 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 2 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (e) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E melodic minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 16 notes across 6 strings, from F♯ on the low E string at fret 2 up to A on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the D string at fret 2 and the B string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 5 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
| 4 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 2 (B) | 2, 4, 5 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (e) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
E melodic minor in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 13 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 5 (A) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
| 4 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 3 (G) | 6, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (B) | 5, 7, 8 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7 | A, B |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E melodic minor in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 14 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to C♯ on the high e string at fret 9. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 5 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 3 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
| 2 (B) | 7, 8, 10 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
E melodic minor in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 16 notes across 6 strings, from C♯ on the low E string at fret 9 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the low E string at fret 12, the G string at fret 9 and the high e string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 5 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
| 4 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12 | A, B |
| 1 (e) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
E melodic minor in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 16 notes across 6 strings, from D♯ on the low E string at fret 11 up to F♯ on the high e string at fret 14. The root falls on the low E string at fret 12, the D string at fret 14 and the high e string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 5 (A) | 12, 14 | A, B |
| 4 (D) | 11, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (G) | 11, 12, 14 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (B) | 12, 14 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (e) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E melodic minor raises the sixth and seventh degrees of E natural minor, creating a major-scale upper tetrachord. Compare it with E major, which has G♯ instead of G. The scale is also called Jazz Minor or Gauri Manohari.
When to use it
E melodic minor fits E minor and E 5th chords. Use it over minor progressions in jazz and fusion for a bright, major-like color on the upper tetrachord.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 2, and the shape covers frets 0–3, setting up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in E melodic minor?
E melodic minor contains E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, and D♯. The raised sixth and seventh degrees distinguish it from natural minor. The scale is also known as Jazz Minor or Gauri Manohari.
Which chords does E melodic minor fit?
E melodic minor fits E minor and E 5th chords. The raised sixth and seventh create a major feel over the upper tetrachord. It suits jazz and fusion minor progressions.
How does E melodic minor differ from E major?
E melodic minor has G natural, while E major has G♯. The sixth and seventh degrees are raised in melodic minor. This gives a minor third with a major sixth and seventh.